Public water alert update for Corofin & Ruan

An estimated 1800 customers of the Corofin and Ruan Public Water Supply in County Clare are being advised that water on the scheme is not suitable for drinking due to the presence of an algal bloom in the raw water for the supply at Inchiquin Lake.
The algal bloom has arisen due to the extended period of dry weather, elevated temperatures and reduced water levels in the lake. Water customers in Corofin town and its environs and in Ruan village, as well as customers of the Killeen Group Scheme Supply are affected by the alert.
The HSE, in conjunction with Irish Water and Clare County Council, is advising customers that tap water should not be used until further notice except for the flushing of toilets, flushing of internal house plumbing systems and laundry. Customers are also advised to discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers. It is also advised that the water should not be used for personal hygiene (showering, brushing teeth etc.)
Meanwhile, works will continue over the weekend to connect some of the affected customers to an alternative water supply.

Drinking water tankers are being provided at the following locations from Friday, August 15, to Monday August 18:
Outside Bofey Quinns Pub, Corofin
St Patrick’s Community Hall, Gort Road, Corofin
Opposite Kerry Agri at the Ennistymon Junction, Corofin
Grotto in Corofin town
Adjacent to the Dalcassion pub in Ruan village

The public is asked to bring their own containers and boil all tankered water before consumption.
Further information will be disseminated via the media, on www.water.ie and the Irish Water Customer Contact Centre: 1890 278278. Customers are requested to advise Irish Water or Clare County Council of elderly or disabled people who may require special assistance.
Meanwhile, Clare County Council is advising lake users not to bathe in the lake or allow animals to enter the lake. Farmers with lands bordering Lough Inchiquin are also being advised not to allow their animals to drink from the lake. Further information in relation to the lake quality can be obtained from Clare County Council’s Environment Section at 065 6846331.

Andrew has been working in the media in the West of Ireland for more than a decade. During that time he has been shortlisted for many national journalism awards, served as a judge for the Choice Music Prize in 2008 and was part of the nominating panel for the Meteor Ireland Music Awards from 2008 to 2011. He holds an MA in Journalism and Public Relation and a BA in English, Sociology and Politics.
He is currently working on his debut novel. A selection of his writings, including a number of short stories can be viewed on Where The Rain Falls at https://wheretherainfallslifeemerges.blogspot.com/
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